Pairing neutral basics with vibrant touches, Tori and Dave Hemingson gave their California bungalow a sense of permanence--plus plenty of happy-go-lucky personality.

On the Sunny Side

On the Sunny Side

When choosing the major pieces of furniture for their Westwood, California, home, Tori and Dave Hemingson played it, well, safe. There's a classic white slipcovered sofa, a traditional farm table, an upholstered khaki headboard, several simple sisal rugs—all dependable, timeless, go-with-everything basics. So how come the overall vibe of the couple's 1920s bungalow reads as anything but neutral?

In this photo: The Hemingsons chose Sherwin-Williams's Convivial Yellow for their breakfast nook, furnished with a built-in bench and a scalloped-top pedestal table from Ethan Allen.

Kitchen

Kitchen

When the couple bought their house, they weren't looking to overhaul it so much as put their own stamp on things. "The home's layout is original," says Dave, before noting the one big exception. "We knew the kitchen had to be totally functional with a young family." So he and Tori decided to reinvent that room, enlisting the help of designer Rick Murphy to knock down walls and expand the footprint. Now glass cabinet fronts and white Viking appliances ("Stainless steel shows fingerprints," Tori says) lighten up the space.

In this photo: The couple updated the kitchen with custon cabinetry (including a built-in bread box!), an apron-front sink, and Carrara marble countertops.